Update: Former City Parks and Recreation Commissioner Resigns

(Update, May 8) – Former City Parks and Recreation Commissioner Lazarus Sims has resigned, after being charged with taking property from the city recreation department.

Sims recently submit his letter of resignation to Mayor Ben Walsh, in which he admitted to taking $5,400 from the city.

The former Syracuse University basketball player has currently repaid the money upon resigning, and Mayor Walsh has released the following statement regarding the matter:

“I accepted the resignation today of Lazarus Sims as Commissioner of Parks and Recreation. In working for city government, we are granted the public trust. There can never be actions or behaviors that undermine that trust in any way. I am saddened at the way Lazarus’s service to the city is ending. Despite this outcome, I wish him only the best in the future.

While we search for a new commissioner, Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens will continue to lead the department on an interim basis. Deputy Commissioner Julie LaFave will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the Department reporting to the Deputy Mayor. With that working structure in place, we will seek and review candidates to be our next commissioner, taking the time that is required to select the best qualified individual to lead this important function to the quality of life in this city.”

(From April 17) – Former City Parks and Recreation Commissioner Lazarus Sims has been charged with taking property from the city recreation department.

According to reports, Sims recently appeared in court recently, and has been charged with taking items worth $3,000 from the city.

He’s scheduled to reappear in court on May 7.

In March, Mayor Ben Walsh placed Sims on administrative leave, pending the completion of an audit into the department’s finances by City Auditor Marty Masterpole.

Syracuse Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens has been managing the department on an interim basis, and Deputy Commissioner Julie LaFave is responsible for the daily operations of the department.

Mayor Walsh released the following statement regarding the matter:

“I’m saddened for the city and for Commissioner Sims. Lazarus has done a lot of good for Syracuse and, in particular, for young people in the city. We will review the charges while we work with legal counsel to determine the appropriate next step in light of this development.”

Sims, a former Syracuse University basketball player, has not yet commented on the charge.

(From March 27) – Syracuse Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Lazarus Sims has been placed on administrative leave, pending the completion of an audit into the department’s finances by City Auditor Marty Masterpole.

Masterpole had previously shared concerns about the city’s draft audit of the department with Mayor Ben Walsh’s office, as well as the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office.

According to the Walsh administration, Sims has been suspended pending the final review of the audit, as well as the outcome of the investigation by the DA’s office.

Currently, Deputy Commissioner Julie LaFave is responsible for the daily operations of the department, and Syracuse Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens will manage the department on an interim basis, going forward.

Sims, a former Syracuse University basketball player, has not yet commented on the matter.